Chapter 12 - DNA Again
Why test again if old report existed?
Medical and legal counsel advised we did not need immediate confirmation.
But Rowan’s note and old report raised one issue.
Sorrel would eventually deserve reliable current records.
The old lab had merged.
Chain-of-custody file existed but was incomplete after five years.
Garrett offered to repeat testing through an accredited lab.
I hesitated.
Therapist said:
“Do not let adult discomfort make permanent identity records uncertain.”
We proceeded.
Not home kit.
Consent forms.
Garrett.
Sorrel.
I explained to Sorrel:
“We’re doing a cheek swab to learn something about family biology.”
“Does hurt?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because bodies come from people, and sometimes doctors and families need accurate information.”
“Are you body people?”
I laughed.
“I’m your dad.”
“That not answer.”
He was five.
Too smart.
I said:
“You grew in Mom’s body. Another man helped make the part of you that comes from a biological father.”
“Not you?”
There it was.
Therapist had prepared us.
“No.”
Sorrel stared.
I thought the world would break.
He asked:
“Still Dad?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
Then:
“Who?”
“We’ll tell you more when we have the test and when Mom? Mom gone. Let's say when we can explain carefully.”
He frowned.
“Is secret?”
“No. Private, not secret forever.”
Important.
The test confirmed Garrett.
Probability greater than 99.99%.
I read result.
No emotional earthquake.
We already knew.
Then the harder part:
telling Sorrel Garrett’s name.
Miriam? Different therapist. Let's name Dr. Elena Morris.
Dr. Elena Morris helped.
We sat in her office.
I said:
“Uncle Garrett is the biological father we talked about.”
Sorrel looked at me.
Then at Dr. Morris.
Then:
“Uncle is Dad?”
I answered:
“Uncle Garrett helped make your body. I am your dad who has raised you and takes care of you.”
“Can have two dad?”
“You can have different kinds of family connections.”
He thought.
“Do I call him Dad?”
“No, unless someday you want something different and we all talk about it.”
“Good.”
Why good?
“Dad name yours.”
I cried.
He looked embarrassed for me.
May you like
Children are cruel.
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